Crowley’s attorneys allege she repeatedly warned city leaders budget cuts, staffing shortages and aging infrastructure had weakened the department’s ability to respond to major emergencies. They argue Bass retaliated against Crowley after she publicly criticized the city’s funding of the fire department.
"(NewsNation) — Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley has filed a defamation lawsuit against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alleging the mayor falsely blamed her for the city’s response to the January 2025 Palisades Fire and damaged her professional reputation.
"According to the lawsuit, cited by the Los Angeles Times, Crowley alleges Bass made false statements while campaigning for reelection, including allegations Crowley was responsible for inoperable fire engines and failed to properly deploy firefighters ahead of the deadly wildfire. Crowley argues those statements were made while Bass was a political candidate and are therefore not protected by government immunity.
"The lawsuit alleges Bass “sought to avoid accountability by shifting blame and lying — including by falsely claiming that she was not aware of the nationally anticipated weather event.”
. . .
"Bass demoted Crowley weeks after the fire but did not terminate her employment with the department. Crowley remains an assistant chief in the Valley Bureau.
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